Irish Setter vs Portuguese Water Dog vs English Setter Comparison - Dog breed selector: Irish Red Setter or Cao De Agua or Laverack? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Irish Setter vs Portuguese Water Dog vs English Setter" Compare Irish Setter and Portuguese Water Dog. Which is better: Irish Setter or Portuguese Water Dog or English Setter?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Irish Setter	Portuguese Water Dog	English Setter
Origins	Ireland	Portugal	England
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Gun Dog	Working Dogs	Gun Dog
Popularity Rank	72	54	95
Reviews	4	6	3
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Irish Setter, Portuguese Water Dog, and English Setter breeds.	Irish Red Setter Red Setter	Cao De Agua Portie Water Dog	Laverack Llewellin Setter Lawerack
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Irish Setter, Portuguese Water Dog, and English Setter? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Irish Setter vs Portuguese Water Dog vs English Setter Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Irish Setter, Portuguese Water Dog, and English Setter. Which breed is the largest?	Large	Medium	Large
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Irish Setter, Portuguese Water Dog, and English Setter? Compare adult weight ranges.	Male: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), Female: 55-65 pounds (25-29 kg)	Male: 42-55 pounds (19-25 kg), Female: 35-49 pounds (16-22 kg)	Male: 55-80 pounds (25-36 kg), Female: 45-70 pounds (20-32 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)	Male: 48.5 pounds (22 kg), Female: 42 pounds (19 kg)	Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 57.5 pounds (26 kg)
Height Which is taller, Irish Setter or Portuguese Water Dog or English Setter? Irish Setter vs Portuguese Water Dog vs English Setter height comparison:	Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm)	Male: 20-22 inches (50-57 cm), Female: 17-20 inches (43-52 cm)	Male: 24-27 inches (61-69 cm), Female: 23-26 inches (58-66 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm)	Male: 21 inches (53.5 cm), Female: 18.5 inches (47.5 cm)	Male: 25.5 inches (65 cm), Female: 24.5 inches (62 cm)

Irish Setter vs Portuguese Water Dog vs English Setter Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Irish Setter, Portuguese Water Dog, and English Setter. Find price differences between these breeds.	$800-$1000	$2500-$2800	$400-$600
Availability Which is easier to get, Irish Setter or Portuguese Water Dog or English Setter?	Very frequent: The Irish Setter is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Portuguese Water Dog is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The English Setter is quite easy to get.

Irish Setter vs Portuguese Water Dog vs English Setter Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Irish Setter, Portuguese Water Dog, and English Setter. Which breed ranks highest?	Smart: The Irish Setter dogs have great intelligence. See more.	Smart: The Portuguese Water Dog dogs have great intelligence. See more.	Smart: The English Setter dogs have great intelligence. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Irish Setter, Portuguese Water Dog, and English Setter. Which is easiest to train?	Irish Setter dogs are very easy to train. See more.	Portuguese Water Dog dogs are easy to train. See more.	English Setter dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Irish Setter, Portuguese Water Dog, and English Setter. Which breed is most alert?	Irish Setter dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Portuguese Water Dog dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	English Setter dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Irish Setter, Portuguese Water Dog, and English Setter. Which breed is most protective?	Irish Setter dogs are not the best to protect their territory. See more.	Portuguese Water Dog dogs are average defenders. See more.	English Setter dogs are not the best to protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Irish Setter vs Portuguese Water Dog vs English Setter Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Irish Setter, Portuguese Water Dog, and English Setter? Compare temperaments.	Playful Independent Energetic Intelligent Affectionate Lively Companionable	Intelligent Docile Obedient Brave Impetuous Quarrelsome	Energetic Intelligent Gentle Strong Willed Mischievous
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Irish Setter vs Portuguese Water Dog vs English Setter?	High: Irish Setter dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Portuguese Water Dog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: English Setter dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Irish Setter vs Portuguese Water Dog vs English Setter social needs comparison:	Irish Setter dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Portuguese Water Dog dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	English Setter dogs are a social breed. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Irish Setter dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. See more.	Portuguese Water Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.	English Setter dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	Irish Setter dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.	Portuguese Water Dog dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. See more.	English Setter dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Irish Setter vs Portuguese Water Dog vs English Setter Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Irish Setter, Portuguese Water Dog, and English Setter. Which breed is most vocal?	Low: The Irish Setter barks none to minimal. See more.	Low to Average: The Portuguese Water Dog rarely barks. See more.	Average to High: The English Setter is a vocal breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Irish Setter, Portuguese Water Dog, and English Setter. Which breed is most playful?	The Irish Setter is a highly playful breed. See more.	The Portuguese Water Dog is a playful breed. See more.	The English Setter is a playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Irish Setter, Portuguese Water Dog, and English Setter. Which adapts best to small spaces?	Not an apartment-friendly dog the Irish Setter breed.	Apartment-friendly dog the Portuguese Water Dog breed.	Not an apartment-friendly dog the English Setter breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Irish Setter vs Portuguese Water Dog vs English Setter Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Irish Setter, Portuguese Water Dog, and English Setter. Which breed is most flexible?	Irish Setter dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Portuguese Water Dog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Average: English Setter dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Irish Setter or Portuguese Water Dog or English Setter?	Irish Setter dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Portuguese Water Dog dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	English Setter dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Irish Setter vs Portuguese Water Dog vs English Setter Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Irish Setter, Portuguese Water Dog, and English Setter. Which has lowest bite risk?	Low 🔽 The Irish Setter has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Portuguese Water Dog has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The English Setter has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Irish Setter, Portuguese Water Dog, and English Setter. Which uses mouth most during play?	Irish Setter dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.	Portuguese Water Dog dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.	English Setter dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Irish Setter, Portuguese Water Dog, and English Setter. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Irish Setter bite force: Ordinary.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Portuguese Water Dog bite force: Ordinary.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ English Setter bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Irish Setter vs Portuguese Water Dog vs English Setter Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Irish Setter, Portuguese Water Dog, and English Setter. Which breed lives longest?	12-14 years The average lifespan of Irish Setter: 13 years	10-14 years The average lifespan of Portuguese Water Dog: 12 years	10-12 years The average lifespan of English Setter: 11 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Irish Setter, Portuguese Water Dog, and English Setter. Which handles climate changes best?	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Irish Setter can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. See more.	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Portuguese Water Dog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. See more.	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The English Setter can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. See more.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Irish Setter, Portuguese Water Dog, and English Setter. Which has fewer health issues?	The Irish Setter is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Portuguese Water Dog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The English Setter is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Average The Irish Setter should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Portuguese Water Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The English Setter should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Irish Setter vs Portuguese Water Dog vs English Setter? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Irish Setter vs Portuguese Water Dog vs English Setter health problems comparison:	Hip Dysplasia Cancer Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Bloat Epilepsy Osteochondrosis Dissecans Panosteitis Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy Canine Leukocyte	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Entropion Ectropion Distichiasis Persistent Pupillary Membranes Addison's Disease Megaesophagus Irritable Bowel Disease (ibd) Abnormally Small Eyes GM-1 Storage Disease Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy Gastrointestinal Diseases Colitis Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis Lymphangiectasia	No data available

Irish Setter vs Portuguese Water Dog vs English Setter Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Irish Setter, Portuguese Water Dog, and English Setter. Which breed is most active?	Irish Setter dogs are high-energy dogs.	Portuguese Water Dog dogs are high-energy dogs.	English Setter dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Irish Setter vs Portuguese Water Dog vs English Setter exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Irish Setter or Portuguese Water Dog or English Setter? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Irish Setter dogs need a lot of exercises.	Portuguese Water Dog dogs need quite a lot of exercise.	English Setter dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Irish Setter or Portuguese Water Dog or English Setter?	Irish Setter dogs don't need too much sleep.	Portuguese Water Dog dogs don't need too much sleep.	English Setter dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Irish Setter vs Portuguese Water Dog vs English Setter Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Irish Setter, Portuguese Water Dog, and English Setter. Which is most prone to obesity?	Average: The Irish Setter has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Portuguese Water Dog has an average risk for obesity. See more.	High: The English Setter breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Irish Setter, Portuguese Water Dog, and English Setter. Which needs most food?	3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	2 to 2.5 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	4 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Irish Setter vs Portuguese Water Dog vs English Setter Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Irish Setter, Portuguese Water Dog, and English Setter. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	No See more.	Yes See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Irish Setter, Portuguese Water Dog, and English Setter. What colors are available?	Red Mahogany	Black White Brown	Tan Blue Orange Tricolor Liver Lemon Belton
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Irish Setter, Portuguese Water Dog, and English Setter. Which requires most maintenance?	Advanced: The Irish Setter requires a lot of grooming. See more.	Average: The Portuguese Water Dog requires average grooming effort. See more.	Average: The English Setter requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Irish Setter, Portuguese Water Dog, and English Setter. Which drools least?	The Irish Setter is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency. See more.	The Portuguese Water Dog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The English Setter is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Irish Setter, Portuguese Water Dog, and English Setter. Which has least natural smell?	High 🔼 The Irish Setter has a high chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Portuguese Water Dog has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The English Setter has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Irish Setter, Portuguese Water Dog, and English Setter. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Fine	Curly	Feathered
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Irish Setter, Portuguese Water Dog, and English Setter. Which requires most frequent baths?	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Irish Setter or Portuguese Water Dog or English Setter? Irish Setter or Portuguese Water Dog or {name3 shedding:	Irish Setter dogs shed moderately. See more.	Portuguese Water Dog dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	English Setter dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Irish Setter vs Portuguese Water Dog vs English Setter Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Irish Setter, Portuguese Water Dog, and English Setter. Which is best with kids?	Irish Setter dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Portuguese Water Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	English Setter dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Irish Setter dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Portuguese Water Dog dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.	English Setter dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Irish Setter or Portuguese Water Dog or English Setter? Which dog is more friendly?	Irish Setter dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Portuguese Water Dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	English Setter dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Irish Setter or Portuguese Water Dog or English Setter?	Irish Setter dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Portuguese Water Dog dogs are cat-friendly dogs.	English Setter dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Irish Setter or Portuguese Water Dog or English Setter?	Irish Setter dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Portuguese Water Dog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.	English Setter dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Irish Setter vs Portuguese Water Dog vs English Setter?	Yes Irish Setter dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Portuguese Water Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes English Setter dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Irish Setter is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Portuguese Water Dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No English Setter is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Irish Setters are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	Portuguese Water Dogs are usually recommended for elderly people.	English Setters are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Irish Setter vs Portuguese Water Dog vs English Setter As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Irish Setter, Portuguese Water Dog, and English Setter. Which is best suited for service work?	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Irish Setter, Portuguese Water Dog, and English Setter. Which excels in therapy work?	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Irish Setter, Portuguese Water Dog, and English Setter. Which has best nose work ability?	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential Compare search and rescue potential between Irish Setter, Portuguese Water Dog, and English Setter. Which is best for SAR work?	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability Compare boating aptitude between Irish Setter, Portuguese Water Dog, and English Setter. Which is best suited for water work?	Yes Irish Setter breed usually likes being on a boat. See more.	Yes Portuguese Water Dog breed usually likes being on a boat. See more.	Yes English Setter breed usually likes being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Irish Setter, Portuguese Water Dog, and English Setter. Which is best for draft work?	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Military Service Background Compare military service history of Irish Setter, Portuguese Water Dog, and English Setter. Which has most military use?	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Irish Setter vs Portuguese Water Dog vs English Setter Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Irish Setter, Portuguese Water Dog, and English Setter. Which has most puppies?	7-10 puppies	4-8 puppies	4-6 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Irish Setter, Portuguese Water Dog, and English Setter. Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between Irish Setter, Portuguese Water Dog, and English Setter. What's recommended?	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.

Irish Setter vs Portuguese Water Dog vs English Setter Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Irish Setter, Portuguese Water Dog, and English Setter. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 as a Sporting breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1983 as a Hound breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Irish Setter, Portuguese Water Dog, and English Setter. How are they classified internationally?	Recognized by FCI in the Pointing Dogs group, in the British and Irish Pointers and Setters section.	Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Water Dogs section.	Recognized by FCI in the Pointing Dogs group, in the British and Irish Pointers and Setters section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Irish Setter, Portuguese Water Dog, and English Setter. Which has most recognition?	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club Canadian Canine Registry	American Kennel Club Canadian Kennel Club Federation Cynologique Internationale Australian National Kennel Council New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club The Kennel Club	Unknown

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